Mexico promises ractopamine-free pork to Russia

Mexico, following the example of Brazil, has officially confirmed that it is complying with Russian demands concerning the feed additive ractopamine in pork imports and it is promising that all production supplied to the Custom Union (Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan) from now will be free of ractopamine.

Russia also hopes that soon Canada will take the same action.

"Mexico officially sent a message that it is strictly complying with the meat shipments. The Canadians first said that they agree to consultations, but after they held talks with the Americans they are now apparently hesitating. But we are taking this in its stride," said the head of the Russian veterinary watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor, Sergei Dankvert.

He said, "the Americans are not entering into negotiations, they have apparently as usual simply barred their veterinary service from leading the process. One must understand that the issue is being politicised, but not being resolved as it should be," Dankvert said.

When asked about the outlook regarding pork and beef exports from the United States, he said there could be a repeat of the situation with chlorine treated poultry exports. Certificates for imports of US poultry into Russia were not issued for six months. "An similar situation is developing. The only thing I cannot understand: Over there, apparently, businesses, unlike ours, does not have a voice," Dankvert said.

He also said that there should not be any pork or beef shortages due to the US position, as there is currently an oversupply of meat on the Russian market, especially pork. In addition, Spain and Denmark could increase shipments. "We currently have sufficient open countries in order to compensate," Dankvert added.